The Importance of CPR Training for Your Nanny

Some parents hiring a nanny don’t think to inquire as to whether or not Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is part of the package. However, all parents would do well to ask. Most likely there will never be a situation where this particular training is needed. With that being said, it is still much better to have a nanny with the training and not need it, than to have one without it and suffer the consequences in an emergency situation.

In instances where the family has a swimming pool and/or hot tub, having a CPR trained nanny is crucial. Accidents can happen unexpectedly within the blink of an eye. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, children under four years of age are 14 times more likely to be involved in a swimming pool accident than a car accident. They also state that 70% of preschoolers who drown were out of sight for less than five minutes. With statistics like that, not only do you want your nanny to be extremely attentive to your child’s activities, you also want her trained in child CPR as a precaution.

Drowning is one of the major reasons for using CPR with children, but there are other causes as well. Choking is one example. Whether choking on a piece of food, toy or other object, if it stops your child’s blood flow and breathing CPR is necessary. A well trained nanny will keep her wits about her and handle the situation.

Should your child take a serious fall or blow to the head, CPR may also be needed. Severe injury can leave a child in need of resuscitation and having a nanny who knows how to administer CPR and use an AED could mean the difference between your child recovering or having permanent mental damage or worse.

When blood flow stops, brain damage can occur after only 4 minutes. Death can occur a few minutes after that. When you have a CPR trained nanny, your child’s survival rate is greatly increased if resuscitation is needed.

You and your nanny won’t be able to protect your child from every health hazard out there, but ensuring you are both prepared for emergency situations is definitely doable. Ask if your nanny has current CPR training specific to the age of your child. If you live in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, CPR training is available through Rainbow Nannies.